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Body Acne on Males

Body Acne on Males

Overview

Acne is a common condition but it is often referred to as facial acne. Body acne can occur on different parts of the body, primarily in areas that contain the most oil glands. Males tend to have more body acne than females, especially during adolescence.

History

The GuideToClearSkin.com states that males have a higher tendency to have body acne than females. The cause is a specific type of hormone called androgens. Males simply have more of this hormone than women do. During adolescence, androgens spike, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, which results in an increased production of acne. Acne forms when the oil glands become overactive and the inside of hair follicles become engorged with oil and dead skin cells. Once puberty has ended, the androgens tend to level out, or drop to lower levels and maintain that balance, which is when males typically see a reduction in body acne.

Features

Body acne is defined as forming pimples, blackheads or cysts on your back, neck, chest, buttocks and shoulders, according to Acne.org. These regions of the body form acne because of the amount of oil glands. Body acne can become so inflamed that it is red in appearance and very tender. According to Acne.org, males can develop body acne so badly that it leaves large depressions, or scars, on the skin.

Prevention/Solution

Male body acne can become so severe that it needs aggressive treatment. Acne.org recommends isotretinoin as a possible treatment to combat male body acne. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, isotretinoin is a systemic, or oral, antibiotic that is used to treat the most severe forms of acne. The AAFP also advises that patients have realistic expectations when undergoing a treatment plan using this type of medication. Overnight results are not typical as the antibiotics need time to work.

Misconceptions

Not all males will develop body acne; it all depends on how your hormone levels spike or do not spike. According to the AAFP, poor hygiene is not a cause of acne. Teens or adolescent males are not the only ones who can develop body acne. According to the Acne Resource Center, body acne can occur in males as young as 10 years of age until their 40s. The AAFP warns against scrubbing any type of acne as this can cause inflammation and cause the acne to rupture, which can spread bacteria and infection.

Warnings

If your body acne becomes so severe that it causes scarring or is painful, seek care from a licensed health care physician. Dermatologists specialize in disorders of the skin, hair and nails. Over-the-counter products may not treat all types of acne, according to the AAFP. If any product, whether it be an over-the-counter product or prescription medication, irritates your skin, discontinue use promptly. Should your dermatologist prescribe any type of medication, address concerns about side effects. Isotretinoin is known to carry serious side effects, including depression, nose bleeds, suicidal thought and psychosis, according to IsotretinoinSideEffects.com.

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